What To Know
- Spread the pods on a dry, well-ventilated surface and allow them to dry completely for a few days.
- Clean the seeds by brushing away any debris, then store them in a cool, dry, and dark place in an airtight container.
- To check if your seeds are still viable, soak a few in a glass of water for 24 hours.
The delicate fragrance of sweet peas is a welcome sign of spring. But what if you could enjoy that sweet scent even longer? The good news is, you can! This blog post will guide you through the process of how to grow sweet peas from last year’s seed, helping you reclaim the beauty and fragrance of your beloved blooms.
Why Save Sweet Pea Seeds?
Saving seeds from your favorite sweet pea varieties offers several advantages:
- Unique and Heirloom Varieties: You can preserve the unique characteristics of your favorite sweet pea varieties, ensuring their beauty and fragrance carry on for generations.
- Cost Savings: Growing sweet peas from saved seeds is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a bountiful harvest.
- Genetic Diversity: Saving seeds from your own garden promotes genetic diversity, making your plants more resilient to pests and diseases.
- Environmental Friendliness: By saving and reusing seeds, you contribute to a more sustainable gardening practice.
Harvesting Sweet Pea Seeds
The key to successful seed saving is timing. Here’s how to harvest your sweet pea seeds:
1. Wait for the Pods to Dry: Allow the sweet pea pods to fully mature and dry on the vine. They should turn brown and become papery.
2. Collect the Pods: Carefully snip the pods from the vine, being sure to remove any remaining flowers or foliage.
3. Dry Further: Spread the pods on a dry, well-ventilated surface and allow them to dry completely for a few days.
4. Extract the Seeds: Once the pods are completely dry, gently crack them open and remove the seeds.
5. Clean and Store: Clean the seeds by brushing away any debris, then store them in a cool, dry, and dark place in an airtight container.
Preparing for Planting
Before you start planting, you need to ensure your seeds are viable and ready to grow. Here’s how to prepare your sweet pea seeds:
1. Viability Test: To check if your seeds are still viable, soak a few in a glass of water for 24 hours. If they sink to the bottom, they’re alive and ready to grow.
2. Scarification: Sweet pea seeds have a hard seed coat that can hinder germination. To help them sprout, you can gently scarify the seed coat by rubbing it with sandpaper or using a nail file.
3. Soaking: Soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting can also encourage germination.
4. Choosing the Right Soil: Sweet peas prefer well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. You can amend your soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility.
Sowing Your Sweet Pea Seeds
Now it’s time to plant your precious sweet pea seeds. Here’s how to do it:
1. Direct Sowing: Sweet peas can be sown directly outdoors in the garden after the last frost. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart.
2. Starting Indoors: For an earlier start, you can sow your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Use small pots or seed trays filled with seed-starting mix.
3. Planting Depth: Plant the seeds ½ inch deep and cover with soil.
4. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Caring for Your Sweet Pea Seedlings
Once your sweet pea seedlings emerge, it’s crucial to provide them with the care they need to thrive:
1. Sunlight: Sweet peas need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. Watering: Water your seedlings regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
3. Fertilizer: Feed your seedlings with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
4. Support: As your sweet peas grow, provide them with sturdy support structures to climb on, like trellises or stakes.
5. Pest and Disease Control: Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases. Take appropriate measures to control any issues that arise.
Enjoying Your Sweet Pea Blooms
With proper care and attention, your sweet pea seedlings will soon transform into beautiful, fragrant blooms. Here are some tips to maximize your sweet pea enjoyment:
1. Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
2. Harvesting: Cut the flowers when they are fully open for the best fragrance and vase life.
3. Sharing the Beauty: Share your sweet pea blooms with friends and family or use them to create stunning floral arrangements.
A Sweet Pea Legacy
By saving and replanting your sweet pea seeds, you’re not just growing flowers, you’re nurturing a legacy of beauty and fragrance. Each seed carries the potential for vibrant blooms, delicate scents, and joyful memories that can be cherished for years to come.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I save seeds from hybrid sweet peas?
A: Hybrid sweet peas are bred to produce specific traits, but their offspring may not inherit those traits. Therefore, it’s best to save seeds from open-pollinated varieties to preserve their characteristics.
Q: How long can I store sweet pea seeds?
A: Sweet pea seeds can remain viable for 3-5 years if stored properly in a cool, dry, and dark place in an airtight container.
Q: Can I plant sweet pea seeds in the fall?
A: It’s not recommended to plant sweet pea seeds in the fall, as they need a cold period to germinate. Planting them in the spring after the last frost ensures optimal germination and growth.
Q: What are some common problems with growing sweet peas?
A: Sweet peas can be susceptible to pests like aphids and powdery mildew. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of trouble and take appropriate measures to control these issues.
